Experimental research into the response of segmental barrel vaults to repetitive static and dynamic loads

•Use of dynamic characteristics’ changes for damage identification is described.•Experimental analysis of unreinforced and reinforced masonry vaults was performed.•Reinforcement with Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRP) was used.•Effect of repeated dynamic load on the decrease of the vault’s stiffness was observed.•Recommendations for masonry vaults’ diagnostics are given. The article briefly recalls the issue of historical buildings located in seismically active areas. In the introduction of the paper, the issue of the change of the dynamic response of the structure as a method for determining the possible damage of the structure, which can be difficult to detect by other diagnostic procedures, is discussed. Furthermore, the article outlines the procedure for determining some significant characteristics (such as bending stiffness etc.) by means of the dynamic response of the structure, and simplified relationships and recommendations for diagnosing arch structures based on its dynamic response. The focus of the paper is on the general analysis of the results of experimental tests of five segmental barrel vaults, of which two were reinforced with CFRP strips subjected to alternating static and dynamic loads. Due to the structure of the vault - single-layer masonry with a thickness of 150 mm - a loading mode was required. In the article conclusion the test results are interpreted with regard to the above mentioned facts (extent of experimental loading, specific vault structure) and it is stated that they have demonstrated the possibility of using a change of dynamic characteristics as a possible diagnostic method of the origin and development of defects on the vault structure